On 25/7, Ngo Van Ngoc, a 63-year-old veteran with a grade 1/4 disability, visited Lung Cu Flagpole as part of a trip with 14 other veterans. The group was commemorating Martyrs' Day and revisiting the Vi Xuyen battlefield. Ngoc served with Regiment 567, defending the border at the Vi Xuyen Front in 1985, where he sustained two injuries.
With approximately one-third of the 893 steps remaining to the flagpole's summit, Ngoc struggled, having to crawl due to his injured leg and prosthetic. A French visitor, noticing his difficulty, approached from another group and offered to carry him the rest of the way.
"When we reached the top, I couldn't speak English, so I just clasped my hands in thanks, and we hugged", Ngoc recounted.
Viet Bac, the tour guide for the French group, captured the moment the visitor carried the veteran on video. He shared it on social media, where it quickly garnered over 50,000 interactions.
According to Bac, the French visitor carried the veteran to the summit cheerfully, despite the heat. "It was the first time I witnessed such a moving moment", Bac said. "Despite the language barrier and unfamiliarity, the guest was willing to help with such sincerity."
Ha Giang is a popular international destination for tourists exploring Vietnam's Northern mountains. Visitors are drawn to its majestic scenery, mountain passes, and the rich cultural heritage of its diverse ethnic communities. Popular attractions include Lung Cu Flagpole, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Old Town, and the Nho Que River.
Mai Phuong
